In spite of an explosion of literature on regional integration, the “comparative” element remains largely underdeveloped and there is little agreement regarding what constitutes “good” regional integration theory. This results in a fragmented field of study, both in the sense that there is a lack of comparison and cross-fertilisation between scholars focusing on different regions and that there is a lack of dialogue between scholars using different theoretical perspectives. This research cluster seeks to contribute to overcoming these two unnecessary divisions by taking part in academic discussions and research networks, and through the publication of a series of journal articles and book chapters. Within this cluster, two research areas will be prioritised:

• Regions and their horizontal and vertical governace linkage

At present, this involves research into topics such as the relations between the EU and the UN, inter-regionalism, multi-level regulatory processes and the relations between sub- and supra-national regional governance.

• Comparative study of the linkages between micro- and macro-regionalism
• Relations between the European Union and the United Nations
• Inter-regionalism and the (de)legitimisation of regionalism and multilateralism
• The European Union and the Global South

• Regional integration across the world

  In principle UNU-CRIS is open to study regional integration projects all over the world. At present special attention goes to Latin-American, African and Asian-Pacific regionalism

  • Comparative study of the political economy of Asian regionalism
  • Latin American regionalism
  • African regionalism